Samson Tovide played a starring role as Colchester swept shell-shocked Swindon aside 4-0 with an outstanding first-half display.

Colchester took a 10th-minute lead when Swindon forward Harry Smith headed into his own net, after Ellis Iandolo had nodded Jack Payne’s corner towards goal.

And Tovide doubled the hosts’ lead two minutes later when he fired in from close range, after Payne had robbed Ryan Delaney of possession and picked out his young team-mate.

The outstanding Tovide drilled home a fine low shot past goalkeeper Jack Bycroft in the 26th minute to make it 3-0, after Owura Edwards had run half the length of the field and picked him out.

And Colchester increased their lead in the 38th minute through Payne, who converted from two yards after Tovide did magnificently to beat his marker and sprint towards goal before unselfishly squaring the ball while on a hat-trick.

Edwards was denied by Bycroft before half-time while just after the break, Matt Macey saved from both George Cox and Kabongo Tshimanga but Colchester were convincing winners.